Systems and methods for producing portraits

ABSTRACT

A system of producing digital portraits and associated methods are provided. One method includes capturing a plurality of images with a digital recording device and displaying the images in the predetermined groups, such as in groups of two or three images. The customer selects desired images, which can be digitally modified in a variety of ways, and the selected images are electronically transmitted to a digital printer. The digital printer is maintained by an unrelated and distinct third-party host.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/339,135, filed on Jan. 9, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,193,742 whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/347,495, filed Jan. 11, 2002, the contents of both of which arehereby incorporated by reference into the present application in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Digital imaging technologies are transforming both the amateur andprofessional photographic markets. Digital imaging components aregetting better, faster, cheaper, and are mimicking microprocessor priceand power curves. In particular, the overall quality and resolution ofdigital cameras and images are improving exponentially and have reachedconventional photographic quality at competitive retail price levels.Despite the advances in digital technology, many traditionalphotographic processes rely on silver-halide film systems to developprints taken using a conventional film camera. This is particularly truein the professional portrait studio industry, which accounts forapproximately 25 percent of the United States photographic market. TheUS professional portrait studio industry is dominated by four portraitcompanies, which operate thousands of portrait studios usingconventional systems and processes described below.

More specifically, conventional photography systems usually incorporateone of a very few number of processes. In one process, a photographerusing a traditional film camera takes a limited number of exposures andsends the film to a laboratory without the customer having theopportunity to preview or select any exposures. A laboratory technicianprepares a selection of final prints based on speculation as to whichprints the customer will most likely purchase. The final prints are thensent to the photography studio, and the customer purchases prints fromthe pre-selected final prints.

In another process, a limited number of photographs are taken, and theexposed film is sent to a laboratory for development, which can takeseveral weeks. Proofs are then returned to the customer or photographystudio, whereby the customer selects the desired prints and may or maynot provide additional instructions concerning corrections to theselected prints. The final prints are then made at the laboratory andsent to the customer.

In yet another process, a video camera is used to mimic the exposurestaken with the film camera. The customer is able to preview the videocamera recordings, which are close representations of the filmexposures. The customer makes initial purchasing decisions based on thevideo preview, and the film is sent to the laboratory for development.The remainder of the process is similar to the processes describedabove. The preview method is advantageous in that the customer isallowed to see a somewhat similar view of the exposures taken during thephotography session. However, the preview shots or exposures are onlyrepresentations of the actual exposures, and the customer still has towait several weeks for the film to be processed before receiving thefinal prints. And in addition to the delay in obtaining the finalprints, backgrounds and customization features are limited to the numberof backdrops and developing features provided by the studio andlaboratory.

In yet another system, a digital camera is used to capture one image ata time, whereby the customer can view the image as soon as it is takenand either 1) approve the image and move to the next portrait setting,or 2) disapprove the image and take another image until satisfied. Theapproved images are then sent to a traditional printing facility and thecustomer must wait several weeks for the prints. Other types of printingcould be used as well.

Some photography systems utilize digital technology to enhancetraditional film prints or to correct defects therein. Many of thesesystems, however, simply create a digital image taken from a traditionalfilm print, which is wasteful and loses resolution in converting thefilm image to a digital image. In some cases the digital image can becustomized with borders or the like, but the customer's selection islimited to a small number of images taken using the traditional filmcamera. Thus, there is a need to provide a photography system andrelated methods, and more particularly a portrait system and relatedmethods, whereby the customer can select from a wide range of images,and whereby the customer can customize the images and receive finalprints quickly and efficiently. There is also a need to provide methodsof ordering and selecting portrait images that reduce cycle time andprovide the customer with precise information regarding how the finalprints will look.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other needs are provided by the present invention, whichrelates to a digital imaging portrait studio system and methods forproducing and selecting digital images. Advantageously, the portraitstudio system of the present invention uses digital images and digitalprinters to produce final prints quickly and efficiently. In addition,the portrait studio system of the present invention allows the customerto select prints from a large number of images using a variety ofbackgrounds and customization features. In addition to prints, thepresent invention includes systems and methods for producing otherproducts as well, such as internet-accessible images and otherelectronically-generated images.

In particular, the present invention includes several advantageousmethods of producing, selecting, and ordering portraits from digitalimages. One such method includes capturing a plurality of digitalimages, such as at least ten, with a digital recording device. Digitalrecording devices, such as digital cameras and digital video cameras,are capable of storing many images and storing the images in an internalstorage device or a removable storage medium, such as a disk or card.The method also includes displaying the images in groups of at least twoor more and selecting at least one image for purchase. The selectedimage is then electronically transmitted to a digital printer forprinting. In one embodiment, the digital printer is owned and/oroperated by a first party, while in another embodiment the digitalprinter is owned and/or operated by an unrelated and distinct thirdparty or separate host. This arrangement is particularly advantageouswhere the digital printer is already in use, such as in a retail outlet,and is used to process third party customers' film prints that arebrought in for developing. According to the present invention, thecaptured digital images are merely transmitted to the digital printer,which increases the frequency and cost-effectiveness of the digitalprinter while obviating the need for a dedicated portraits-only studiodigital printer. Other embodiments, however, incorporate a digitalprinter that is owned and/or operated by the same party.

The present invention also includes several methods relating toproducing and ordering portraits. One method of viewing digital portraitimages includes capturing a plurality of images of a subject with adigital camera and transferring the images to a computer.Advantageously, all of the images are then displayed on a screen suchthat the images can be compared, and then selected images are groupedaccording to background setting or the like. Each group and thecorresponding images contained therein are then displayed on the screenso that the customer can choose from images having similar backgroundsor the like. In this regard, the photographer can take multiple candidimages without having to disrupt the flow of the portrait session toreview each image, and the image grouping step greatly simplifies theprocess of selecting the best images from the entire portrait session.

During the selection process the desired images can be highlighted orvisually differentiated from the undesired images, such as by changingthe borders of the images or the like. In one embodiment, theundesired/unselected images remain on the screen, albeit with visualdifferentiation, so that the customer has the opportunity to changehis/her mind and select the image at a later time. When the desiredimages are selected, they are added to an electronic shopping cart orsimilar device.

Advantageously, the present invention also includes methods of addingspecial effects to selected images, which heretofore has been impossibleor prohibitively time-consuming and costly. Specifically, one methodincludes displaying a plurality of images on a screen along with specialeffects, such as soft vignette borders, black and white, multiplecameos, and double exposure. The images are then selected for acorresponding special effect, and the modified image (having the specialeffect setting applied thereto) is saved.

The present invention also includes a system for producing digitalportraits that includes a digital recording device, such as a digitalcamera, for capturing a plurality of images in a professional portraitstudio of a first party, and a digital printing device that is operatedby a second party at a retail location thereof. The recording device andprinter are operatively connected to one another, yet are owned and/oroperated by different parties. This type of arrangement allows for thefirst party to utilize the printer of the second party, and thusincreases the productivity of the printer and the second party, yeteliminates the need for a dedicated printer that is owned by the firstparty.

Accordingly, the systems and methods of the present invention offerentirely new approaches to the portrait industry. By utilizing digitaltechnologies in both image capturing, printing, and portrait purchase,the present invention provides a substantial improvement in the state ofthe art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a digital portraiture system accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram describing a portion of a method of producingportraits according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram describing another portion of a method ofproducing portraits according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a display screen image displayed during a method of producingportraits according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is another display screen image displayed during a method ofproducing portraits according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is yet another display screen image displayed during a method ofproducing portraits according to the present invention; and

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are yet other display screen images displayed during amethod of producing portraits according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, these inventions may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a schematic or relationship diagramof a digital portrait studio system 10 according to the presentinvention. In particular, the system 10 includes a local area network(LAN) 11 that is operated in a portrait studio or the like. The LANoperatively connects a plurality of computers 12. At least one of thestudio computers 12 includes studio relational databases, such ascustomer appointments, customer resource management information,photography and sales, studio administration, print production, andinternet/intranet information. Such information can be displayed on adisplay screen 14 of one or more of the computers 12 or on a separate orindependent display screen 18. The LAN 11 is operatively connected tothe internet 24 and/or an intranet system 26 through an output device22, such as a modem or the like.

The system 10 also includes at least one digital recording device 16. Inone embodiment, the digital recording device 16 is a digital still-framecamera, such as a Fujifilm® FinePix S2 Pro Digital Camera™ or Kodak®Professional DSC 760 Digital Camera™ that feature a Nikon® F5 body.Other digital cameras could be used instead that provide similarperformance. Digital images are captured and stored on a reusable memoryor “PC” card 17 as opposed to standard professional film. The camera 16can also be hard wired or tethered to one of the computers 12. Thecamera 16 preferably is capable of at least 6 megapixel resolution(e.g., 3032×2008 or 3024×2016) and can shoot at speed of up to about 1.5frames/second or more. Because the camera 16 is digital, the cost perexposure is negligible, and therefore the photographer is able to takean unlimited number of digital images during a photo session withoutencountering substantial cost. In a preferred embodiment, the memorycard 17 has a storage capacity to store a relatively large number ofhigh-resolution images, such as at least 256 MB.

The system 10 also utilizes a digital minilab printer 20, such as aFujifilm® Digital Minilab Frontier System™. Preferably, the digitalminilab printer 20 is a pre-existing, stand-alone unit that is owned andoperated by an unrelated and distinct party, such as a retailer hostthat is associated with the studio portion of the system 10 of thepresent invention. As such, the system 10 of the present inventionsimply uses a portion of the extra capacity of (or “piggy backs” on) theother party's minilab printer 20 through the studio LAN to deliver printrequests, which are accepted by the minilab printer and processedaccordingly. As such, the productivity of the retailer's printingequipment and equipment operators are greatly enhanced by adding theprint volume of the digital studio system 10 of the present invention tothe retailer's preexisting print volume.

Further, the minilab printer 20 is preferably in the same generallocation as the studio system 10 of the present invention such thatfinal prints can be obtained quickly and efficiently. Due to the speedof the digital printer 20 and the preferably close proximity of theprinter to the studio, customers can order and receive the final printsshortly after the photography session, such as in about one hour,instead of waiting several weeks as in traditional processing systems.

The studio system 10 of the present invention includes digitalprocessing equipment, including processing software and dedicatedcomputers, whereby each digital image can be transformed into aplurality of variations using user-friendly menus and tools. Forexample, the processing software includes code that provides formodifying each digital image, including digitally “retouching” portionsof the image, cropping and centering, combining the image with otherimages in a combination image, changing the size of the image and finalprint, adding graphics or text, changing the tone or finish of theimage, changing the background, creating a collage, creating vignettesof various colors, and so on. Advantageously the processing softwareallows for all these finishes and customizations without the need ofoutside software or applications. A display, such as the computermonitor display 14 or the display screen 18, displays the digital imagesbefore and after any changes are made by the customer, and the finalimages are saved by at least one of the studio computers 12 in the LAN11. Thus, the customer is able to take an image and create an entirelydifferent image with an entirely different look and feel from theoriginal image. Multiple unique and customized images can also becreated from a single original image, which provides value andconvenience for the customer.

In addition to providing systems and methods, the present invention alsoprovides computer program products for carrying out the steps andfeatures described herein. The computer program products have a computerreadable storage medium having a computer readable program code meansembodied in the medium. The computer readable storage medium may be partof a memory device, such as the computer 12, any may implement thecomputer readable program code means to carry out the steps and featuresof the various embodiments as described herein.

Methods of producing digital portraits are included as well. Generally,a customer makes an appointment for a photography or portrait sitting,which is entered into an appointment system by a studio operator. Theportrait sitting is completed at the predetermined appointment time, andthe customer purchases selected prints and/or print packages. The finalprints are ready for pick-up in approximately one hour using the printerof the on-site retailer or some other location.

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed portrait session process according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In particular, when the customerarrives at the predetermined photography sitting appointment 30, thestudio operator prepares the digital camera(s) and camera room 34. Thecustomer is then interviewed by the studio operator to gatherinformation specific to that customer, such as names, address, birthdates, types of desired photos, etc 32, 36, although the interview canbe performed after the images are captured. The studio operator orphotographer then captures a variety of digital images with the camera16. The portrait sitting according to the present invention is much moredetailed compared to conventional film sittings. More specifically, thestudio operator takes about 36 digital images or more on a plurality ofbackgrounds, such as four. In one embodiment, the studio operator takesa predetermined number of exposures at predetermined zoom levels, suchas one image at close range, one image at mid range, and one image at along range. The imaging sequence can be used for a predetermined numberof poses, such as about 3 or more. The images stored on the camera 16are then transferred to a studio computer 12 for editing and selectionby the studio operator and/or the customer 40. In particular, the imagetransfer and retrieval is preferably performed by the studio operator,who uses a studio computer 12 to get the images from the camera's memorycard 17.

FIG. 3 shows the next steps in the portrait selection process accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, after thedigital images are transferred from the camera 16 to the studio computer12, the studio operator retrieves and displays the images 42 on thescreen 14. Preferably, the image retrieval action includes displaying alist of customers to which the images can be assigned, such as a list ofcustomers who have made appointments that day. When the correct customerinformation is matched with the images, all of the captured images aredisplayed so that the customer can compare all the images from thesitting.

The images are then grouped so that the customer has a plurality ofimages to choose from, yet in a more manageable fashion 44. For example,when 36 images are taken, the images can be grouped in sets of 2, andpreferably 3, and the customer is allowed to choose one or morefavorites from each set with assistance from the studio operator 46.After the customer has selected a group of favorite images, includingany customization features and the like, the customer purchases theimages 48, which may include special pricing packages and the like, andthe studio operator receives the payment 50. The images are then sent tothe printer 54, which in one embodiment is owned and maintained by anunrelated and distinct party, such as a warehouse shopping club retailstore. The customer can then pick up the portraits 52 from the printerin a quick and convenient manner, such as during the course of shoppingin the retail store of the third party. During these steps, sales dataand the like can be transmitted from the LAN 11 through the internet 24and intranet 26 to various websites and internal databases. Inparticular, in one embodiment the images can be made available forviewing and purchase via the internet 55.

FIGS. 4-7 provide a more detailed look into the methods according to thepresent invention. FIGS. 4-7 illustrate sample screen shots or views ofa display screen 14, 18 of a computer 12 or operatively connectedthereto. In particular, after the digital images have been captured ofthe subject, the session continues by loading the images 62 from thememory card 17 or other form of stored data and, during this time, theimages are individually shown on the screen 14 during the download togive the customer a preview of what is to come. Transfer of the imagedata could be performed a number of ways, such as using wirelesstechnologies, USB, or the like.

In one embodiment, a location map 60 is provided in order to provide thecustomer with easy-to-follow guidelines during the session. The locationmap 60 may include selectable icons, such as viewing all images, pickingfavorite pose, adding special effects, choosing size and quantity,selecting other products and services, and ordering portraits. As shownin FIG. 4, the first icon entitled “View All Images” is highlighted toindicate the current screen.

According to the present invention, the system 10 includes softwarehaving instruction code for dividing the images into predeterminedgroups. The groups can be based on sequential order, pose, background,and the like, or may be customized according to particular preferencesof the studio operator or customer.

In one embodiment, the 36 images captured during the portrait sessionfeature 4 different backgrounds and 12 poses. These numbers can varyhigher or lower depending on the speed, detail, and service offered bythe particular studio. The images are divided into groups of at least 2and preferably 3 images whereby the customer in future steps can selectone of the three poses that the customer likes best.

FIG. 5 illustrates the next step in the portrait session. Upon clickingthe second icon on the location map 60 when viewing the screen shown inFIG. 4, a new screen is shown whereby the second icon entitled “PickFavorite Pose” is now illuminated. As described above, the images aregrouped in a predetermined fashion and displayed so the customer canselect his or her favorite image from a plurality of images havingsimilar poses, background, or other attribute(s). In FIG. 5, the groupshown includes sequential images 62 a, 62 b, and 62 c of the portraitsession. Above the three images 62 a, 62 b, and 62 c is a line of tabs64 indicating the image numbers in each grouping. For example, forimages 62 a, 62 b, and 62 c as shown, the tab 7-9 is selected. Adjacenttabs include 1-3, 4-6, 10-12 . . . and 34-36.

Several selection and editing controls 68 are positioned next to eachimage. In one embodiment, below the image number 62 a, 62 b, and 62 c isthe text “Add To Cart?” with “Yes” and “No” buttons for the customer tochoose or not choose the image to add to an electronic shopping cart 66.A “Remove” button is also included in case the customer changes his orher mind about the particular image and wishes to re-select the imagefor the shopping cart. Zoom features are also included along withrotational tools so that the image can be positioned and magnified to adesired level. Surrounding each image is a border 70, which can changein color or appearance depending on the status of the particular image.Another feature available for each image is a positioning feature thatallows the image to be centered or otherwise positioned, as the customerdesires. During the repositioning of the image, the border 70 turns blueand the image is moved by positioning the cursor over the image andmoving the cursor while holding down the left mouse button or a key onthe keyboard or the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates the appearance of the screen 14 after one of theimages 62 a, 62 b, and 62 c has been selected from the screen shown inFIG. 5. In particular, selecting a particular image, for example image62 b, changes the border from a first color to a second color, forexample yellow to green. In a preferred embodiment, the remaining twoimages 62 a, 62 c on the screen 14 are by default considered unselectedor discarded, and the colored border around each unselected image turnsred and the image is shaded or otherwise indicated as unselected. A copyof the selected image 62 b is then transferred to the lower portion ofthe screen to the electronic shopping cart 66 that contains a copy ofall the selected images. If the customer desires more than one of thethree images in the group, or if the customer does not want any of theparticular images in the group, each image can be added or removed byoverride from the shopping cart 66. It should be noted that the images62 a, 62 b, and 62 c are shown at a reduced resolution of the actualimage, such as about one-quarter resolution, which does notsubstantially affect the image quality, but allow for fast editing andthe like.

Once the desired images are selected from the particular group, thestudio operator/user or customer selects another tab 64 indicatinganother group, e.g., images 4-6, and the process is repeated until allof the images have been viewed and the desired images have been selectedand added to the shopping cart 66.

FIGS. 7 a-7 c illustrate another step of the portrait session accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7 a,several special effect settings 76 are arranged on the display screen 14along with the electronic shopping cart 66 so that the customer canselect particular images in which to apply the special effects, ifdesired. For example, special effect settings may include, but are notlimited to, soft vignette 76 a, classic black and white 76 b, single ormultiple cameo 76 c, and double exposure 76 d. In one embodiment, thedesired image(s) for a particular special effect setting 76 is selectedby clicking the desired image in the shopping cart 66, whichadvantageously automatically transfers a copy of the image into thesetting. The image can also be modified as described above after theimage was been transferred to the setting.

FIG. 7 b shows an example of the special effect settings 76 as appliedto selected images 62 from the shopping cart 66. The selected imageswith special effects are then shown, as they will appear in print form,although changes to each special effect setting or the selected image(s)can be changed. In particular, each image could be repositioned withineach special effects window and changes can be made to the tone,vignette size, vignette color, sheet size and orientation of the image.More specifically, the tone can be changed between color, black andwhite and sepia, and the vignette size can be modified from various ovaland rectangular, and mist settings. The vignette color can be modifiedbetween black, white, various pre-selected colors from a dialogue box,or by selecting a color that is present in the image. The specialeffects are preferably selected for either 10×13 or 8×10 prints,although the print size can be varied.

As described above, other steps in the portrait process includeselecting from various portrait “packages,” which may include 10×13,8×10, 5×7, 3½×5 and wallet size prints. Pricing information may also beincluded at this step.

The customer may also be allowed to select and modify the size andquantity of the selected images in the shopping cart 66. In particular,all of the selected images from the shopping cart can be displayed onthe screen 14, and the quantity of each image can be changed as well asthe sheet size.

Other options are also available by selecting a corresponding icon fromthe location map 60 on the display screen 14. Such other optionsinclude, but are not limited to, holiday photo cards, advertisedspecials, calendars, and the like. Using a holiday card option as anexample, a prompt is given for selecting a desired image from the imagesin the shopping cart 66, as well as a desired holiday greeting. Aseparate window for greeting cards opens that shows a preview of theselected image and greeting along with pricing information and quantity.

When the desired portrait collection and greeting cards have beenselected, the final icon in the location map 60 entitled “Order andPrint Portraits” is selected, which in one embodiment opens a windowdetailing the charges for that particular order. Pursuant to orderverification, the finalized selected portrait images (as modified ormodified) are prepared and delivered via the LAN 11 to the printer 20through processing code of the system 10. The sales information isstored in at least one of the studio computers 12 and can also be sentto other locations, such as off-site corporate computers. During thistime, the charges for the order are collected from the customer.

Once the images and related data are received at the printer 20, theprinter prints the sheets such that the entire process from sending theimages to the printer and printing the images is performed withinminutes, although delays may occur due to printing capacity at theprinter, etc.

While the systems and methods described above utilize a still-framedigital camera, it is also possible that the digital recording device 16can be a digital video recorder, which is capable of recording multipleposes and facial expressions of a portrait subject(s) in a continuousvideo stream. Advantageously, the video stream can be broken into aseries of individual high-resolution digital images that are equivalentin quality to that offered by still-frame digital cameras. Thus, thecustomer can select images from the full range of motion, poses, andexpression captured by the video stream instead of the 36 or so imagescaptured by the still-frame digital camera. In this regard, the chanceof the studio operator missing a candid shot of the subject(s) iseliminated, as the video recorder captures the entire photography orportrait sitting.

The streaming digital video system offers several other advantages. Forexample, the images taken from the video stream can be modified andcustomized as described above. Also, the streaming video systemdescribed herein uses no film and therefore has no associated film cost.Another advantage is that, in addition to filming subjects usingtraditional portrait backgrounds and scenes, subjects filmed with thestreaming digital video system can be posed with chroma key technologyusing blue or green backgrounds so that an unlimited number ofbackgrounds can be combined with the selected images. Chroma keytechnology can also be used in conjunction with the digital imagescaptured by the digital camera described above.

In one embodiment, the streaming digital video system of the presentinvention includes a video recorder or camera that is mounted on atripod or track and can be operated manually by the studio operatorand/or automatically by the studio computer. The video camera includesan auto focus lens and a field of view equal to at least the size of thebackground to ensure that the subject(s) are always inside the areadefined by the background. The video camera is capable of producing avideo stream with a resolution advantageous for high-quality, close-upcropping of the broken down images without the need for the video camerato zoom during the photography sitting. The video camera also has anaspect ratio conductive to printing standard portrait size sheets.

The video camera preferably stores the video stream in a memory card orthe like that can be downloaded or transmitted seamlessly to the studiocomputer(s). The stream video system also includes software, whichincludes Active X controls and functions similar to those describedabove, to view, separate, and select as individual images desired framesfrom the video stream.

In operation, the video stream is started and stopped by the studiooperator at the beginning and end of the session. Accordingly, duringthe photography sitting the studio operator is then completely free tointeract with and guide the subject(s) to create poses and facialexpressions instead of operating a camera.

Another aspect of the video system includes synchronization between avideo recording device, lighting, and backgrounds. More specifically, inone embodiment the video camera captures a video stream of the subject.During the recording sitting, the lighting system 23 is synchronized orprogrammed to provide various lighting setting and effects, which arecaptured in real time by the video camera 16. The background may also bechanged during the sitting either manually or automatically. If a chromakey background is used, for example, the background could automaticallychange one or more times during the sitting and may be synchronized withthe lighting system 23 to create a variety of effects and images. It isalso possible to synchronize the lighting system and/or backgroundsusing still images captured by a digital camera.

It is also possible to capture a video stream with the digital videocamera and operate the lighting system 23 according to a predeterminedschedule, such as flashes at various intensities, slow rises and fadesin intensity, lighting from various angles and positions, etc. In thisregard, many different lighting arrangements are then captured on thevideo stream, and individual video frames or images can then be selectedas the portrait images. Advantageously, this method allows for slightchanges in lighting, position, and pose to be captured so that thecustomer or studio operator can select the desired images precisely.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

1. A computer program product for producing digital portraits, thecomputer program product comprising a computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-readable program code portions stored therein, thecomputer-readable program code portions comprising: a first executablecode portion for associating digital images together as a set; a secondexecutable code portion for grouping the images into subsets associatedwith the set; a third executable code portion for displaying the imagesof the set; a fourth executable code portion for displaying the imagesof at least one of the subsets; a fifth executable code portion forselecting at least one of the images from at least one of the subsets;and a sixth executable code portion for electronically transmitting theat least one selected image to a digital printer, wherein said secondexecutable code portion for grouping the images into subsets includes anexecutable code portion for grouping the images into subsets based on atleast one of similar poses and similar backgrounds, and wherein saidfourth executable code portion for displaying the images of at least oneof the subsets includes an executable portion for displaying the imagesin groups of at least three having similar backgrounds and poses, andwherein said first executable code portion includes an executable codeportion for associating at least 36 digital images using at least fourbackgrounds and 12 poses together as a set and said second executablecode portion includes an executable code portion for grouping images ofsimilar poses and backgrounds into subsets.
 2. A computer programproduct according to claim 1, further comprising a seventh executablecode portion for receiving the digital images, the digital images havingbeen captured with a digital recording device.
 3. A computer programproduct according to claim 1, wherein said second executable codeportion includes an executable code portion for receiving user input. 4.A computer program product according to claim 1, further comprising aseventh executable code portion for digitally modifying at least one ofthe images.
 5. A computer program product according to claim 4, furthercomprising an eighth executable code portion for selecting the at leastone digitally modified image.
 6. A computer program product according toclaim 1, further comprising a seventh executable code portion forvisually highlighting the selected at least one image and an eighthexecutable code portion for adding the selected at least one digitalimage to an electronic shopping cart.
 7. A computer program productaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a seventh executable codeportion for displaying at least one special effects setting afterdisplaying at least one of the images of the set or the images of atleast one of the subsets; an eighth executable code portion forselecting at least one of the digital images for the at least onespecial effects setting so that the at least one special effects settingis applied to the at least one digital image; and a ninth executablecode portion for saving the at least one digital image with the at leastone special effects setting applied thereto.
 8. A computer programproduct according to claim 7, further comprising a tenth executable codeportion for manipulating at least one of the digital images prior toexecution of said ninth executable code portion for saving the at leastone digital image.
 9. A computer program product according to claim 1,further comprising a seventh executable code portion for selectingimages to group as a set in response to the displaying the images of theset, and wherein said second executable code portion for grouping theimages into subsets associated with the set includes an executable codeportion for grouping the images into subsets based on said selecting atleast one of the images from at least one of the subsets.
 10. Anapparatus for producing digital portraits, comprising a processingdevice configured to: associate digital images together as a set; groupthe images into subsets associated with the set; cause the images of theset to be displayed; cause the images of at least one of the subsets tobe displayed; select at least one of the images from at least one of thesubsets; and cause the at least one selected image to be transmitted toa digital printer, wherein the processing device is configured to groupthe images into subsets by grouping the images into subsets based on atleast one of similar poses and similar backgrounds by grouping images ofsimilar poses and backgrounds into subsets, and wherein the processingdevice is configured to cause the images of at least one of the subsetsto be displayed by causing the images to be displayed in groups of atleast three having similar backgrounds and poses, and wherein theprocessing device is configured to associate digital images together asa set by associating at least 36 digital images using at least fourbackgrounds and 12 poses together as a set.
 11. An apparatus accordingto claim 10, further comprising a receiver for receiving digital imagesfrom a digital recording device, said receiver being at leasttemporarily in communication with the digital recording device and beingin communication with said processing device.
 12. An apparatus accordingto claim 11, wherein said processing device includes a storage devicefor storing the digital images and said receiver is configured totransfer the digital images to said storage device.
 13. An apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein said processing device is furtherconfigured to apply special effect settings to at least one of thedigital images.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 10, furthercomprising a reception device for receiving a portable data storagedevice, the portable data storage device containing the digital images.15. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said processing deviceis further configured to selectively digitally modify at least one ofthe images.
 16. An apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising auser input device in communication with said processing device andconfigured to receive selection of at least one of the images from atleast one of the subsets, wherein said processing device is configuredto group the images into subsets based on input received from said userinput device.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 10, further comprisinga communications device in communication with said processing device,wherein said communications device includes a network connection forconnecting to at least one of a local area network or a wide areanetwork.